Dark Auburn Hair: Celebrity Looks, Shades and How to Get It

If you want red hair but don't want to go full fire engine, dark auburn is your answer. It's that rich, red-brown shade that looks almost brunette indoors, then glows deep red the second you step into the sun.

It's flattering, it's grown-up, and it's been all over the red carpet. Here's what dark auburn hair actually is, the celebrities who've worn it best, and how to get and keep the color.

What Is Dark Auburn Hair?

Auburn is a mix of red and brown. Dark auburn leans more toward the brown side, so it's deeper and moodier than a classic red, with warm red tones running through it.

Think of it as brunette with a secret. In low light it reads as rich brown, and in the sun it shows off a gorgeous red glow.

Dark Auburn vs Copper vs Burgundy

These shades get mixed up all the time, so here's the quick version.

Dark auburn is red-brown, warm but deep. It sits closest to brunette and is the easiest to wear.

Copper is brighter and more orange, closer to a true ginger. It's bold and very eye-catching.

Burgundy has purple or wine undertones, so it looks cooler and more berry-toned than auburn.

And auburn brown is basically dark auburn with even more brown in it. It's the most subtle option if you just want a hint of warmth.

Celebrities With Dark Auburn Hair

Zendaya

Around the end of 2021, Zendaya swapped her signature brunette for a deep, dark auburn, and it was gorgeous. It's the perfect example of how auburn can look rich and natural on darker hair. She later softened it into more of a copper blend, and she's gone back to warm, copper-toned shades on the red carpet since.

Kaia Gerber

Kaia debuted glossy auburn hair at a pre-Oscars party in Los Angeles in 2022. On her naturally brunette base, it looked shiny, expensive and surprisingly easy to wear.

Dua Lipa

Dua Lipa showed off long, sleek auburn hair in a 2021 Versace campaign. Against her dark brows and warm skin, the red-brown tone looked bold but still elegant.

Sophie Turner

Sophie went copper-red in summer 2021, then switched to a richer, deeper burgundy in 2022. Her two looks are a great side-by-side lesson in how different red shades can change your whole vibe.

Kendall Jenner

Kendall surprised everyone when she went copper for Prada's Fall/Winter 2022 show, with color by Jenna Perry and Matt Rez. It was brighter than a true dark auburn, but it got the whole internet talking about red-brown hair.

Jessica Chastain and Christina Hendricks

For timeless red-carpet auburn, these two are the gold standard. Their rich red shades always look polished and glamorous, especially with classic Hollywood waves.

Sadie Sink

Sadie's natural red-auburn hair has become iconic thanks to her role as Max in Stranger Things. It's warm, bright and completely her own.

If you love red-haired stars, take a look at our full list of famous redhead actresses.

Who Suits Dark Auburn Hair?

The good news is that dark auburn works on lots of people, because it's deep enough to stay soft and natural.

Warm undertones (golden, peachy or olive skin) look amazing with dark auburn and auburn brown. The red-brown warmth makes skin look glowy.

Cool undertones (pink or blue-ish skin) can wear it too. Just ask for a slightly deeper, less orange version, leaning toward burgundy.

Neutral undertones can basically try any of the shades on the chart.

It's also one of the easiest red shades to get if you're already brunette, since you don't need much lightening.

How to Get Dark Auburn Hair

If you're starting from medium or dark brown, a colorist can usually get you to dark auburn in one session with a permanent or demi-permanent color, often without any bleach.

Bring photos and ask for a "red-brown" or "auburn brown" result. Be specific about how red you want it, because one colorist's auburn is another's copper.

If you just want a hint of warmth rather than an all-over change, auburn highlights or balayage on a brunette base are a gentler way in. Our guide to dark brown hair with auburn highlights has the best shade combos for every brown.

Doing it at home? Choose a box dye labeled dark auburn or red-brown, always do a patch and strand test, and follow our step-by-step guide on how to color hair at home.

How to Keep Dark Auburn Hair From Fading

Red tones fade faster than almost any other color, so aftercare really matters.

Wash less often, and use cool water with a sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo.

Use a red or copper color-depositing conditioner or gloss every week or two to keep the shade rich.

Protect it from heat and sun with a heat protectant and a UV spray. Both can turn auburn dull or brassy.

And book a gloss or toner at the salon between full color appointments to keep the shine.

Dark Auburn Hair FAQ

What color is dark auburn hair?

It's a deep red-brown. It looks like rich brunette in low light and shows red tones in the sun.

Is auburn red or brown?

Both. Auburn is a blend of red and brown, and dark auburn leans more toward brown.

Can I get dark auburn hair without bleach?

Usually, yes, if you're starting from light to dark brown hair. Very dark or black hair may need a little lightening first.

How long does dark auburn hair color last?

Around four to six weeks before it starts to fade, but good aftercare and regular glosses help a lot.

Final Thoughts

Dark auburn hair is the perfect middle ground between brunette and red. It's warm, glossy and flattering, and celebrities from Zendaya to Dua Lipa have proved it can look stunning. Pick your shade from the chart, look after it, and enjoy that red-brown glow every time you step outside.

Want more hair color ideas? Our list of famous brunette actresses is full of rich, warm shades too.